Classic Car Night

Webster City Market Nights to Feature Classic Car Night and Reunion Performance by The Shades

Webster City, Iowa – June 10, 2025 — This Thursday evening from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Webster City will come alive with the sights and sounds of summer during Market Nights: Classic Car Night, a celebration of community, local flavor, and musical history. Headlining the evening in the Availa Bank Plaza will be a special performance by The Shades, a Webster City band with deep local roots and an unforgettable story.

Exactly 50 years ago today, a group of young men from Webster City took a bold step onto the national stage when they walked into Chess Records in Chicago to cut their first single. That group was The Shades, and their journey began on an October night at the Star Ballroom in Dakota City during a spirited battle of the bands—an event they won as the last to arrive and the first to perform.

Jerry Foster, lead singer and the youngest of the group at 17, was joined by Bruce Seaboch (keyboards), John Hemingway (bass), Bruce Hovland (drums), and Doug Meyer (guitar). Their sound quickly gained popularity across the Midwest, playing venues like The Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, The Playmor in Fort Dodge, and The Macomba Club in Sioux Falls.

With encouragement from friends and connections to Iowa State's music scene, The Shades traveled to Chess Records—recording their original track “When You Said Good-bye,” backed with an impromptu instrumental, “Ballot Bachs,” written the night before. The session was engineered by the legendary Ron Malo, whose credits include The Rolling Stones and Billy Joel.

Now, a half-century later, The Shades return to where it all began to celebrate with their hometown crowd at Webster City Market Nights Classic Car Night.

Market Nights Highlights – June 12, 2025

• Live music by The Shades – 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Availa Bank Plaza
• Classic Car Show – Cars line up from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. (enter at Prospect & Second St.)
• Trophy Announcements – 7:20 p.m. near the American Legion
• Community Choice Voting at the Auxiliary booth
• Karl Webster City Trophy selected by our weekly sponsor

Grilling by the American Legion, plus a variety of local food trucks:

• Quick & Fresh – Sushi, egg rolls, crab rangoons, and boba tea
• El Taco Riendo-mexican cuisine
• Best Spudz – Hearty potato-based meals
• Citrus Crave – Allergen- and dye-friendly lemonades and chillers
• Kathryn’s Kettle Corn – Kettle corn and roasted nuts
• El Taqueria Paraiso-
• The Main Scoop – Ice cream
• Tropical Snow
• Kona Ice
• J Dubs – Local favorite serving up BBQ type dishes
• Berry Nice Sweet Treats- Pancake with all the yummy toppings

Downtown Dining & Drinks:

Make a night of it with dining and drink options from downtown businesses:

• Mornin’ Glory Coffee
• Wildcat Distilling Co.
• Leon’s Pizza & Restaurant
• La Perla Jarocha Mexican Restaurant
• Chicago Style

Shop Local on Second Street:

Stroll through the 500–600 block of Second Street to browse a wide selection of:

• Handmade goods
• Locally grown produce
• Fresh baked items
• Sweet treats and hot meals

Youth Fresh Produce Voucher Program

Thanks to Hamilton County Farm Bureau, children and youth under 18 can stop by the Farm Bureau table, complete a fun activity, and receive a $1 produce voucher redeemable at any participating produce vendor. It’s a great way to encourage healthy choices while supporting local growers.

Vendor Passport Program

Shop local and get rewarded! Pick up your Vendor Passport at the Chamber booth — make 12 purchases and earn an entry into a special prize drawing at the end of the season.

Market Night in a Box: Don’t forget to pick up your pre-paid basket of local goodies between 6:00–7:30 PM inside the Chamber Office. Each box is filled with fresh items from Market Night vendors — a perfect way to take home a taste of the evening!

Market Nights are a vibrant summer tradition in Webster City, bringing together local vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, and community connection every Thursday evening downtown. “Back to the Farm” is a true celebration of where we come from — honoring the agricultural spirit that continues to shape our community.

Community Involvement:
Visitors are encouraged to vote for their favorite classic car by noting the number displayed in each car’s window and submitting it at the Auxiliary booth in front of the American Legion.

This event is made possible through the generous support of our Presenting Sponsor: American Sanitation, and the Weekly Classic Car Sponsor: Karl Webster City.

Come for the cars, stay for the music, and enjoy the vibrant energy of downtown Webster City this Thursday night!